Dedicated to the conservation, experimentation, and dissemination of photographic know-how, the International College of Photography is offering 4 research-creation grants this year, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the NeuflizeOBC Corporate Foundation for the Visual Arts.

The history of photography has become a field of research for contemporary photographers, but it is too often reduced to historical processes, even though it could extend to images, figures, practices, objects, events, and ideas. It could inspire highly diverse retrospective projects—ranging from documentary to experimental work—that are not limited to pre-digital techniques but may also incorporate current technologies, including artificial intelligence.

In anticipation of the bicentennial of the French invention of photography by Nicéphore Niépce, to be celebrated in 2026–2027, this edition of the research-creation grant of the International College of Photography aims to encourage retrospective works that explicitly reference the pioneers and inventors of the early years (1820–1850) and develop, in one way or another, a reflection on this unique period in the invention of photography in France.

Additional Information

4 grants will be awarded, each valued at €8,000.

Laureates will receive support throughout the year.

This call is open to applicants residing or working in France, including overseas territories.

Application file in PDF format (under 70 MB) to be submitted by December 31, 2025, including:

A presentation of your artistic practice (maximum 200 words)
Your project proposal for the research-creation grant (maximum 400 words)
A portfolio showcasing your work
A biography (around 200 words) and a CV

Any project that does not explicitly reference the proposed theme will not be considered.

Applications must be sent by email with the subject line “CIP Research-Creation Grant” to the following address: boursecreationcip@gmail.com